“Does the Government Know?”: Boys Playing Netball Divide South Africans

• A TikTok user shared a viral video of boys involved in a netball match, showing off their talents
• In June, Netball South Africa informed the nation about the introduction of the men's Netball World Cup
• Some people enjoyed that males were playing the female-dominated sport, while others showed that they were against it

A viral video showing two teams comprised of boys playing netball has split the internet in two. Many people could not understand why the boys were participating in the sport typically played by females, and others were impressed with the young men on the court.

The TikTok video, shared on the account of @bennetvanwyk, showed the boys, from an unknown school, dominating the court and challenging gender norms. One player even fell into the splits and got back up after catching the ball and scoring a goal for his team.

Can men play netball?

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Men can, without a doubt, play netball.

On 18 June, 2025, Netball South Africa announced the introduction of the men's Netball World Cup.

World Netball CEO Fiona Harold said:

"Whilst World Netball will always remain proud of the sport's traditions, we must not be held hostage to them. Our sport is open to all, and now feels like the right time to make a clear statement on the men's game, which is gaining momentum rapidly."

The CEO concluded:

"I have enjoyed engaging with men's netball groups over the past few months. We will continue to collaborate with them to help them realise their dream of seeing an inaugural men's Netball World Cup happen in the next few years."

Male netball players divide South Africans

Thousands of local members of the online community shared their opinions when it came to the young men showing their skills on the netball court. While some entered the comment section unamused, others applauded the boys for their talent.

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@sa.update8, who wasn't for the men playing the sport, remarked:

"Majita, we are losing."

@aarnsszi19 shared his opinion with social media users, writing:

"As a man, in my opinion, I could never do such a thing."

@monila.harmony told the online community:

"Guys, men playing netball is more common than you think. Guys are actually really good at netball. It’s so fun to watch the men."

@thekiddnextdoorfr said to people on the internet:

"If you can play basketball, you can definitely play netball easily, but you guys aren't ready for that conversation."

@enockmuwanguzi0 wrote in the comment section:

"Does the government know about this?"

@bandilethecreator06 asked the online community:

"If females can take part in soccer, rugby, and cricket, why is it a problem when I want to take part in netball?"

Take a look at the TikTok video below:

3 Other Briefly News stories about netball

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• In another article, a Christian girl showed a group of netball players wearing modest attire on the court. Internet users questioned the look and its practicality.
• A 16-year-old netball star from a township in Cape Town captured the nation with her dream of representing South Africa on an international court. People tagged the Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, in the post.
• Reality TV star and popular content creator Lasizwe Dambuza responded to allegations that he received R120 000 from the Netball South Africa organisation. Mzansi still criticised the star.

Source: Briefly News